Triplets Lindsey, Carley, and Haley Armentrout, 14, won perfect-attendance awards at King George Middle School. Carley and Haley didn't miss a day during seventh or eighth grades. Lindsey missed one day this year. SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR Visit the Photo Place

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KG trio's presence earns them present

King George County triplets earn a special perfect-attendance award

Date published: 6/21/2009

By CATHY DYSON

When the Armentrout triplets sit down to be interviewed, it's no accident that Lindsey sits in the middle.

She's the firstborn and natural leader, the one who reminds Haley and Carley what needs to be done at home, school and on their various sports teams.

Lindsey also is the arbitrator, the one who breaks up the little disagreements that sometimes crop up among 14-year-old sisters.

Although there aren't that many squabbles, Lindsey said.

"Sometimes we're best friends, sometimes we're just friends," she said.

One thing's for sure: The Armentrout girls, as they're known at King George Middle School, devote themselves to whatever endeavor they undertake.

The girls recently received the Novella Wil-liams Perfect Attendance Award. Haley and Carley were among eight students who had perfect attendance during grades seven and eight, said Principal Seidah Ashshaheed.

Lindsey missed one day this year, when she had to be hospitalized after a soccer game with suspected heat stroke.

She got an honorable mention for attendance, the principal said.

The attendance award is named after the daughter of King George County residents Angelia and Wayne Williams. Novella died 17 days after she was born from an infection common in premature babies.

Her mother is thrilled that the triplets got the award on the 10th anniversary of her daughter's death.

"They are great girls, well-rounded and dedicated," Williams said.

All three have outstanding school records, the principal said. The girls have been on the honor roll both years at the middle school.

Haley and Lindsey had straight A's the first three grading periods of this year. Carley missed the mark by one grade.

All have been involved in sports and have played on junior varsity teams at King George High School. They hope to get scholarships to ease the cost of college for their parents, Connie and Tony Armentrout, who work as computer scientists for Dahlgren contractors.

Haley is the runner in the group, and Lindsey loves soccer. Carley's into basketball.

All three have a history of solid attendance. Haley hasn't missed any school since the first grade--and she was absent only one day that year.

Carley missed two days in fifth grade and Lindsey has missed six days in eight years.

Lindsey considers the girls lucky to stay healthy. "Usually, we just get over it if we're sick."

Carley wants the social interaction, and Haley likes school in general.

"You don't want to miss anything," she said.

Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com

Like many schools in the region, King George Middle School rewards perfect attendance. Eight students who did not miss any days or have any tardies or early dismissals during grades seven and eight received a ticket to Paramount's Kings Dominion. Twice a year, the school holds drawings for students who missed five days or fewer during the semester. Of the 650 students at the school, 575 were eligible for the second-semester contest. Kelvin Beverly won a 10-speed bike, donated by the PTA. Others got digital cameras, MP3 players and gift cards. Teachers pay for the cards and Principal Seidah Ashshaheed supplies the digital devices because she believes the incentive works. "I think attendance is the key to success," she said.

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Date published: 6/21/2009